German held over alleged Syria terror links

BERLIN (AP) — German authorities say they are holding a man suspected of fighting for a hardline Islamic group in Syria during a stay in the country last year.

Federal prosecutors said Friday a judge ordered the 19-year-old German citizen, identified only as Kreshnik B. in keeping with German privacy rules, kept in custody pending a possible indictment on charges of membership in a terrorist group.

The man is suspected of traveling to Syria last July and undergoing weapons training with an al-Qaida breakaway group, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. He's accused of participating in fighting and doing guard duty.

Kreshnik B. was arrested in December after returning to Germany, initially on suspicion of planning an act of violence. Prosecutors say evidence then solidified of his connection to the group.